I Just Noticed a Major Detail About the DCU’s Green Lantern (But It Needs One Change)

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Apart from Superman, who James Gunn is heavily banking on as the lead for his upcoming DC Universe franchise, the team is taking their time introducing key characters. There have been hints at Batman’s arrival, like his shadow seen in ‘Creature Commandos’, but it seems that we won’t see him fully until his standalone film, ‘The Brave and the Bold’. Similarly, Wonder Woman finds herself in a similar position, as while she has a movie underway, Gunn and company are prioritizing a stellar script before they commence casting for her film.

While DC’s Trinity is temporarily absent, the DC Universe fills the gap with an intriguing ensemble known as the Justice Gang. The presence of a Green Lantern within their team lends credibility, but Guy Gardner fights primarily for his own interests rather than others. Recently, I noticed a detail about him that encapsulates his character perfectly.

Guy Gardner Always Takes the Easy Way Out in the DCU

In the early stages of the DCU, The Justice Gang makes their debut during a pivotal moment in “Superman”. Here, Superman is locked in a battle with a colossal monster wreaking havoc on the streets of Metropolis. To help out, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific join forces, but their intervention only adds to the chaos. Instead of sparing the creature for study, as Superman advocates, the Justice Gang swiftly eliminates it upon landing. The people of Metropolis, grateful for their intervention, instantly hail them as heroes. Among the newfound fame, Guy Gardner, in stark contrast to most Green Lanterns, revels excessively in the attention, using his powers from the Guardians of the Universe for personal gain, showcasing a lack of humility.

In a pinch, Superman finds Guy unwilling to lend aid, reappearing only when he perceives a chance to enhance his reputation in Jahanpur. However, despite Superman’s triumphant conclusion, camaraderie among the Justice Gang begins to unravel once they retreat behind closed doors again, with their true colors showing. In Peacemaker Season 2, Chris Smith undergoes an interview with Maxwell Lord, the Justice Gang’s financier, along with Hawkgirl and Green Lantern. A microphone malfunction lets Chris eavesdrop on their unflattering remarks about him. Guy finds the predicament amusing since he dislikes Peacemaker, laughing uproariously, thereby exposing his gold tooth. Interestingly, a similar detail is present in Superman, and while it may appear to be merely a trivial character trait, it could potentially pave the way for something far more significant.

The Gold Tooth Could Be the Key to Guy Gardner’s DCU Arc

Neither Peacemaker nor Superman offer any clues about the metal in Guy’s mouth. It’s likely that he underwent this procedure prior to becoming a Green Lantern, as he might have used his power ring to create a substitute for the missing tooth. While there are various possibilities as to why Guy lost his tooth, the most straightforward explanation is that someone delivered a powerful punch, knocking it out. Given his tendency to engage in physical confrontations with individuals stronger than himself, even Superman, if Guy had antagonized someone before receiving his power ring, he could have easily been knocked unconscious and required urgent dental care.

Absolutely, it’s crucial to learn from the past but also look ahead. The trajectory Guy is on could lead him into a battle he won’t be able to prevail in before long. In the comic series Lanterns, Hal Jordan will join forces with Guy, and given their age difference, Guy might find himself outmatched in terms of experience. It seems likely that Hal will assert his position and possibly even knock out Guy’s golden tooth. To improve, Guy needs to adopt a new mindset, perhaps growing a green tooth symbolizing change, and learn to work harmoniously with others instead of merely tolerating them.

Peacemaker Season 2 is streaming on HBO Max.

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2025-08-26 22:13